DNR News Release

Step back in time at the Dillard Town Picnic May 9

The public is invited to experience an early 1900s picnic at one of Missouri’s most scenic state historic sites. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, the annual Dillard Days Picnic will be held on Saturday, May 9, at Dillard Mill State Historic Site near Davisville. This free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With the red, water-powered gristmill, the clear Huzzah Creek as a backdrop and bluegrass music played by Red Bridge and Rick Thum on the dulcimer, guests will truly feel as if they have stepped back in time at this annual picnic. Old-time demonstrations will also be taking place; such as woodworking, basket weaving, blacksmithing and loom weaving. Steve Schmidt, a three time Guinness Book World Record Holder, will be performing his strongman act at 11 a.m. Food and beverages will be available to purchase, along with kettle corn and pork rinds.

The first floor of the mill will be open with staff available to answer questions. The mill, which has been restored to operational order, was built around 1900 and continued to grind grain until the 1960s.

At 4 p.m., the site will hold its informational meeting at the Harmony Shelter. Representatives from the historic site will be on hand to provide information about the facility and to answer questions.

Dillard Mill, located five miles west of Viburnum and one mile south of Dillard off Highway 49 in Crawford County, is one of Missouri’s best-preserved examples of a water-powered gristmill. For more information about the event, call the site at (573) 244-3120. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.